House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner, D-Nashville, tonight blasted Tennessee Republicans for trying to coerce workers to vote against the United Auto Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga.

"While we respect the decision made by Volkswagen workers, the result does not excuse the outrageous and unprecedented conduct by Tennessee's Republican elected official," Turner said in a statement. "The intimidation tactics and coercive efforts should be condemned, regardless of the outcome tonight. Workers deserved the right to vote without being pressured by outside special interests and elected officials, but that did not happen."